The Journey of Science

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have transformed conversations around weight loss and metabolic health — but are we witnessing a medical breakthrough or participating in a massive social experiment? In this episode, we explore how these FDA-approved drugs moved from diabetes treatment to mainstream use for weight management, reshaping medicine, ethics, and culture along the way. We discuss how...

In this episode, Zane and Gopu unpack the fascinating overlap—and key differences—between neural engineering and neuroengineering. They explore how neural engineering focuses on decoding and interfacing with the nervous system through technologies like brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), which are helping restore movement and communication for people with paralysis. The discussion highlights recent...

In our episode on addiction, we admitted we weren’t sure if marijuana was truly addictive. That question stuck with me—so I went back to the research. In this bonus episode, Zane dives into what he found after reviewing two major studies: a 2024 Journal of Clinical Investigation review by Le Foll et al. and a 2025 JAMA Network Open paper by Gowin et al. The evidence? Cannabis can be addictive for...

Substance abuse and addiction affect everything from how we live to how we think about choice. But what is addiction, and how do scientists study it? In this episode, Gopu shares what he’s been learning as he steps into the field of addiction neuroscience. Together, we explore the prevalence of substance use, why research often focuses on drugs like MDMA, THC, amphetamines, and opioids, and why ev...

Artificial intelligence has entered the academic workflow. Can we trust it? In this episode, we share how we use large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT in our daily work: from drafting emails, organizing messy thoughts, and processing large datasets, to searching through the overwhelming flood of new research. But it’s not all smooth sailing. We also dive into the current struggles and limitati...

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is increasingly understood as a disruption in how the brain predicts and processes sensory input. Instead of reacting to the world, our brains constantly anticipate what’s coming next—but in FND, that system breaks down. Dr. Lane shares how predictive coding helps explain real symptoms like tremors or non-epileptic seizures, even without structural brain dama...

Curious about Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)? In this episode of The Journey of Science, we dive into what TMS is, how it works, and why it’s gained traction as a treatment for depression and other neurological conditions. We explore: How TMS uses magnetic fields to modulate brain activity Differences between low- and high-frequency TMS The research behind FDA approvals and clinical appli...

How do scientists actually use social media? In this episode of The Journey of Science , we talk about the role social platforms play in our daily work—from staying productive to sharing papers to finding our communities. We dig into: The Twitter-to-X transition: What’s changed for science discussion? How we use social media for networking, data, and collaboration. The balance between visibility,...

In this episode, CJ shares with us her improbable journey that begins with an initial fear of undergraduate chemistry class and grows into a career designing and building state of the art microscopes at Janelia Research Campus. We chat about resilience and facing challenges head on, something CJ has learned to embrace. Do join us :)

Today we join Dr. Tou Yia Vue, an assistant professor of Neuroscience at the University of New Mexico Health Science Center, in celebrating of his first R01! He shares his Journey of Science from Southeast Asia to the Southwest. We chat about the importance of resourcefulness in science and starting a lab. And we settle the debate, "Who is the best Marvel scientist?" Do join us :)

In this episode we have Dr. Aswathy Ammothumkandy, a postdoctoral researcher from the Bonaguidi lab at the University of Southern California, joining us to discuss her Journey of Science spanning from Southern India to Southern California. We also talk about her research, and how we (try to) achieve the day-to-day art of living a life while being a full time scientist. Do join us :)

Hello Guys! Gopu and Zane here. With this episode, we kickstart our podcast talking about our experience in completely changing the field of research after PhD and starting a new - all that in the heights of pandemic! It will be a fun ride. Do join us!